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The CATS project, funded by AUTC and the Carrick Institute, addresses educational accessibility for students with disabilities. It highlights legislative requirements under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and the Disability Standards for Education 2005. The project emphasizes systemic changes rather than individual practices, focusing on research findings, frameworks for good practice, and comprehensive resources aimed at educators, administrators, and students. The project delivers tools such as a self-audit tool and web-based resources to ensure compliance and improve educational outcomes for all.
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Creating Accessible Teaching and SupportThe CATS project OZeWAI ConferenceDecember 2005 Tony Payne www.adcet.edu.au/cats
The legislative imperative • Disability Discrimination Act 1992 – requires institutions to be proactive in identifying and removing discriminatory barriers and practices • Disability Standards for Education 2005 clarifies legal obligations in relation to education • Rights of students in relation to education and training • Responsibilities of education providers • Measures which will provide evidence of compliance and provide a defence against legislation www.adcet.edu.au/cats
The Project • Funded by AUTC and Carrick Institute • Cross institutional project team • Initial focus vision impairment - now all disabilities • Targets academics, administrators & managers • Research methodology: • Literature review – international collaboration • Focus groups of students • Surveys of equity academics & practitioners www.adcet.edu.au/cats
The research findings Whilst there are pockets of good practice … • Outcomes for students are poor • Research limited & resources not widely used • Good practice often individualised not systemic • “Reasonable” rights/responsibilities not defined • Teacher understanding & strategies are limited • Practitioner knowledge & skills are limited www.adcet.edu.au/cats
The outcomes • Series of booklets: • Vision Impairment, Hearing impairment (available) • Mental Illness, Learning Disability (in development) • Framework for good practice & benchmarks • Web based information/resource database • Self audit tool with reporting functions www.adcet.edu.au/cats
Website features • Searchable database of resources • News, FAQs, Web links & Articles • Practical strategies & case studies • Good practice statements and benchmarks • Self audit functionality - report and action plan • Updates through integration with ADCET • Accessibility & useability www.adcet.edu.au/cats
Underlying principles • Evidence based – social model of disability • Inclusive – responding to the needs of all students • Comprehensive – covers all core activities • Explicit – clear and realistic strategies and reporting • Consultative – engage staff/students affected • Resourced – adequate staff/funds to implement • Systemic – embedded within planning & QA processes • Owned – leadership/accountability by senior staff • Equitable – respects all parties rights/responsibilities www.adcet.edu.au/cats
The framework • Learning & Teaching • Preparation & orientation • Course review & design • Learning resources • Course delivery • Assessment • Learning support • Learning environment • Postgraduate study • Campus life • Physical access • ICT access • Specialist services • General services • Housing • Library • Graduation/employment • Student diversity • Policy & Administration • Recruitment • Admission & Enrolment • Policy & Planning • Quality Assurance • Grievance Procedures • Safety and Security • Professional Development • Privacy & Communication • Information Access www.adcet.edu.au/cats
The audit tool • Good practice statements for each key area • Series of indicators of good practice • Benchmark statements • Information/resources to assist operationalisation • Interactive self audit & report functionality • Self Ratings • Evidence Report • Action Plan www.adcet.edu.au/cats
The audit report www.adcet.edu.au/cats
A CATS tour… www.adcet.edu.au/cats
University & legislative context www.adcet.edu.au/cats
Teaching strategies www.adcet.edu.au/cats
Discipline specific resources www.adcet.edu.au/cats
FAQs & Hot Topics www.adcet.edu.au/cats
News & events www.adcet.edu.au/cats
Assessment benchmarks www.adcet.edu.au/cats
Making it happen tips - assessment www.adcet.edu.au/cats
resources - assessment www.adcet.edu.au/cats